Kleines sitzendes Mädchen am Tisch 

Hubert François Gravelot rendered this pen and wash drawing of a little girl in her domestic sphere sometime in the 18th century. Gravelot was a leading figure in the Rococo movement, a style known for its ornate and playful depictions of aristocratic life. This drawing offers a glimpse into the lives of young girls of the European upper class, whose days were carefully structured around domestic activities like needlework. The girl sits at her embroidery frame, while a pet cat plays beside a basket of fruit. The window light illuminates her silhouette as she labors in what was considered an appropriate feminine pursuit. Gravelot creates a tender moment, capturing the girl in quiet concentration. Yet, the image also speaks to the limited roles and expectations imposed on women during this era. Gravelot frames the scene with an ornate border, emphasizing the constructed nature of these gendered spaces. It captures the personal and societal dimensions that shaped women's identities in the 18th century.